Back to the Future (1985)

Even though I wasn’t alive during the decade, I love 1980s movies! From action classics like the “Indiana Jones” Trilogy and “Commando” to the quintessential supernatural comedy “Ghostbusters” and the festive cheer found in “Gremlins” and “Die Hard”, the 80s truly was a revolutionary era in cinema history. But in my opinion the best movie from this time period (aside from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”) is Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale’s genre-defining masterpiece, “Back to the Future.”

It’s almost impossible to go-over every reason why “Back to the Future” is so outstanding, it’s the definitive time-travel story that’s chock-full of iconic scenes, an absolutely amazing soundtrack and marvellous performances that kick-started one of the greatest trilogies in film. It’s probably my 5th favourite movie of all time; I’ve loved it ever since I was 7 years old I will continue to love it until the end of time!

With the casting of Michael J. Fox in the role of protagonist Marty McFly, the filmmakers behind “Back to the Future” truly caught lightning in a bottle. It’s common knowledge that the journey to Fox becoming McFly was a troubled one, as his commitment to filming the TV series “Family Ties” caused actor Eric Stoltz to be cast as Marty initially (even though Michael J. Fox was the filmmakers first choice.) Fortunately, the stars aligned and Fox was able to shoot “Back to the Future” during the night before he returned to “Family Ties” in the day.

Michael J. Fox is perfect as Marty, he’s able to switch from humour to charm and cool to dramatic instantaneously, causing Marty McFly to become one of my favourite movie protagonists of all time!

But “Back to the Future” wouldn’t be complete without Christopher Lloyd as the zany and eccentric inventor Doctor Emmet Brown, who creates the historic time-travelling DeLorean. It’s mind-boggling that Lloyd was in his forties during filming, he brilliantly captures Doc’s old age and razor-sharp intellect whilst also injecting the character with exuberance and liveliness. Together, he and Michael J. Fox created one of the most believable and spellbinding buddy duos found in any media.

The supporting cast in “Back to the Future” are all superb, Lea Thompson is likeable as Marty’s mum Lorraine, Crispin Glover gives a bizarre yet exceptional performance as George McFly and Tom Wilson is suitably bullish and unpleasant as bully Biff Tannen.

“Back to the Future” is one of the most well-written and expertly structured films ever made, although there are some very weird and even creepy (creepy-gross rather than creepy-scary) scenes in the story, the movie as a whole is so well-executed that it can’t help but be entertaining. Every line of dialogue has a purpose within the narrative, whether as a moment of levity or as a call-forward or pay-off to another part of the movie, meaning that there is never a dull moment. As it is so endlessly enjoyable and engaging, “Back to the Future” is one of my go-to movies that I can watch anytime and anywhere.

Before he created the greatest piece of music in human history (“Portals” from “Avengers: Endgame”) composer Alan Silvestri constructed another fantastic theme for “Back to the Future.” It’s exciting, fast-paced and excellently captures the soul of the film!

The songs here are also great, from the instantly recognizable “The Power of Love” to Marty McFly’s epic rendition of “Johnny B. Goode” (which is much better than the original version), nearly every song in “Back to the Future” is catchy, energetic and crowd-pleasing.

Despite its lack of traditional action, “Back to the Future” is just as compelling as any blow-out thriller. Every time I watch “Back to the Future” (and I’ve seen it a LOT) I pick up on a new piece of the puzzle, whether that be a creative background detail or a humorous exchange between the characters, which is yet another aspect of the film that keeps me coming back.

I’d also like to mention how incredible the ageing make-up in “Back to the Future” is. In the modern age of MCU movies where ground-breaking CGI is used to age-up or de-age actors, I really appreciate how phenomenal the practical prosthetics in this movie look.

“Back to the Future” features one of the most enthralling finales ever put to screen, one that masterfully balances multiple different tones to create an entertaining, cringe-worthy and white-knuckle experience. Even after dozens of viewings, I still cheer when George McFly punches Biff (which may be the most satisfying punch in any movie ever), I still hide my face behind my hands as Marty takes his rock n’ roll performance a little bit too far and I hold my breath as Doc desperately tries to connect the cable to the Clock Tower so that Marty can travel back to the future… or the past as it is now. All joking aside, the climax of “Back to the Future” is flawless, it’s easily one of the most gripping sequences in any blockbuster that effortlessly ratchets up the tension until the viewer is on the edge of their seat!

In conclusion, “Back to the Future” is nothing short of perfect, it’s an iconic, witty and magnificent time-travel comedy adventure that has stood the test of time thanks to its stellar performances and script. If you’re one of the three people on the planet that still haven’t seen it, why don’t you make like a tree and watch it, “Back to the Future” is your density!